Turner Classic Movies and Universal Studios Home Entertainment proudly present TCM Showcase: Claudette Colbert, a brand new collection of films featuring the playful and sophisticated star. With her mix of intelligence, beauty and easy humor, Colbert would become famous for her roles in comedies, melodramas and historical epics during a career that lasted 34 years. In over 60 films, she worked with some of Hollywood’s most talented directors, including Cecil B. DeMille (The Ten Commandments, 1956) and Preston Sturges (The Lady Eve, 1941), whose work is showcased in this collection of four classic Colbert films:

CLEOPATRA (1934)—Colbert is Cleopatra in this stylish and lavish portrayal of the notorious Egyptian empress's love for Roman general Marc Antony, helmed by legendary director Cecil B. DeMille.

IMITATION OF LIFE (1934)—Two women—one white, one black—form an enduring friendship as they struggle through financial hardship and racial prejudice to raise their daughters. Named one of the "25 Most Important Films on Race."

MIDNIGHT (1939)—Colbert sparkles as an out-of-work American showgirl caught up in Parisian high society in this romantic comedy co-starring Don Ameche, John Barrymore and Mary Astor, written by Billy Wilder (Some Like It Hot, 1959).

THE PALM BEACH STORY (1942)—Complications abound in this screwball comedy with Colbert and Joel McCrea playing two sets of identical twins who marry one another's sweethearts, then are forced by financial troubles to seek more profitable liaisons. Written and directed by the legendary Preston Sturges (The Lady Eve, 1941).

Imitation of Life alone was worth the price of this collection, as one of the 25 most important films on race as judged by Time. The Palm Beach Story became another favorite in this Claudette Colbert collection. Colbert does, however, sparkle in all 4 films.

Movie restoration is that of a new movie. Only a few little skips, no streaks or spots, sound excellent, picture clear and focused. Good choice of people to play the characters-the big hunk as Marc Antony, and a Shakespearean actor as Ceasar. Great editing and presentqation.

Take it from this avid collector with ca. 2500 titles in his DVD database: wonderful collection of Colbert films in glorious black and white, worthy of kicking off a new series of "Showcase" collections. 1934's "Cleopatra." What can I say? Classic Colbert, classic DeMille, almost classic everything. Forget the '63 blockbusting "Cleo" that busts nothing much except some pretty color. 1934's "Imitiation of Life," engaging, but alas, not a great movie. Despite the signature of Preston Sturges, it's upstaged mightily at the end of the 50s by the Lana Turner film of the same name. Both "Midnight" (1939) and "The Palm Beach Story" (1942)-- almost, not quite as good screwball/romantic comedies as 1934's "It Happened One Night." I give this collection four stars instead of five because of the inclusion of the original, only so-so "Imitiation of Life." I would have preferred "...One Night" or "Drums Along the Mohawk" or "Since You Went Away." But, hey. You can't argue with three hits of major proportions out of four! I eagerly await forthcoming 4-film "Showcase" collections.